The Alkamba Times

11/06/2024

Breaking: Kamala Harris has called Donald Trump to concede defeat in the presidential election. She is scheduled to deliver a speech in a few hours.

11/06/2024

Sunlight is the Best Disinfectant: A Response to Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Information!

By: Madi Jobarteh

On Tuesday, Minister Ismaila Ceesay went on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez to rain invective on Alagie Saidy Barrow and my humble self, describing us as dishonest, cowards, idle, ungrateful, liars and bitter. Ismaila Ceesay said I am hiding behind activism to push a political agenda but that I am afraid to enter politics. Listening to the quality of this man’s arguments makes one wonder if the PhD degree he claims to possess is indeed real, especially when you consider what Martin Luther King Jr said is the purpose of education. That,

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education.”

Clearly the rantings of Ismaila Ceesay do not only show that the man lacks both intelligence and character, but also, he is a man under pressure from myself and Alagie. And I promise him that this pressure shall continue unabated so long as he remains on a path of calumny and dishonesty purposely to serve his selfish interests at the detriment of our homeland.

As typical of dishonest people in power, they are notorious for trying to divert attention by defaming, misrepresenting and caricaturing individuals who demand transparency and hold them accountable. The role that people like Alagie Saidy Barrow, Pa Samba Jow and many others including I play in this society is that we wish to ensure full transparency and accountability of the Government to the people of the Gambia.

Unable to defend the corruption and incompetence of this Government, Ismaila therefore chose to target voices of transparency and accountability with the intention to discredit and silence us. He is not the first minister to do this and will not be the last to do so. His insults and rantings intended to demonize and discredit me only expose his dishonesty and betrayal of the people of the Gambia. But Ismaila cannot silence me or anyone, for we are determined to uphold and defend the Constitution in exercise of our civil and political rights to speak up and participate in the scrutiny of the Government and its officials like him.

It was the celebrated US Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis who said more than 100 years ago that sunlight is the best disinfectant. He said this in highlighting the benefits of openness and transparency in government. Just like sunlight kills germs, he said, so also transparency would root out corruption in government. The role and contribution that others and I play in this society is to make sure that there is open government, knowing fully well that there cannot be accountability, efficient public service delivery and protection of human rights in the absence of transparency. For that matter, I shall not relent nor stay silent in the face of blatant abuse of office, corruption and incompetence. It is that voice that Ismaila wishes to silence but he cannot in any way.

No one can deny that the incidence of corruption in the Barrow administration is deep, widespread and endemic, and yet fully encouraged. This is confirmed by official reports from the Auditor General, the National Assembly, The Gambia Police Force, and presidential commissions of inquiry, not to mention reports by investigative journalists, and established by the courts. Exposing and combating corruption and holding public institutions accountable is a national duty – whether one is called activist or not. After all, it is not Ismaila Ceesay who defines who or what activism is or not.

Ismaila Ceesay is too small to caricature and discredit Madi Jobarteh. He can choose to sell his soul and indeed power has already exposed his true character as a man without faith and conscience. No educated person aids and abets corruption and injustice and enables bad leadership.

Therefore, what Ismaila demonstrates is the malaise inflicting this nation since independence. That is, the weakness and failure of our intellectuals in charge of our institutions of governance and development in betraying their own people by imposing on them a corrupt, incompetent and oppressive system which they defend with disinformation and dishonesty. But Ismaila has come too late in the game, hence he is advised, for his own interest, to return to the original ideals which underpinned the creation of the Citizens Alliance – of which he became the chief betrayer, sadly.

Gambians decided to end self-perpetuating and autocratic rule and corruption since 2016. In 2017, the new Government launched a transitional justice program with the slogan ‘Never Again’ to abuse of office, corruption, human rights violations and bad governance. If Ismaila and his ilk think the country should relapse back to those horrible days, then he is dreaming.

So here is my message to Ismaila Ceesay: those days are over and long gone when public officials think they can impose their false narratives on our people with arrogance and impunity. Public office is a noble institution which must be occupied by the best sons and daughters of this land who shall be challenged to prove themselves with honesty and humility. If that is an inconvenience for Ismaila, then let him vacate public office.

I wish to call on all Gambians to speak out to defend democracy and human rights and expose abuse of office and corruption. Let us remember the warning of that German priest during the Second World War, who observed that his failure to speak out against injustice left him alone and helpless when eventually he also became a victim of injustice and found that there was no one to speak for him. Kofi Annan once said, if we do not speak out, individually and collectively, today and every day when our conscience is challenged by intolerance, corruption and injustice, we will not have done our duty - to ourselves, or to succeeding generations.

For The Gambia, Our Homeland

11/06/2024

Democratic Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris is expected to phone President-elect Donald Trump to formally concede the election defeat.

11/06/2024

Donald Trump is projected to return to the White House as the 47th President of the United States.

11/06/2024

Donald Trump has won Georgia, the Associate Press projects, significantly narrowing Kamala Harris' potential paths to victory—and making Pennsylvania a virtual must-win for her.

Trump has won his first two swing states, North Carolina and Georgia.

11/06/2024

Breaking:

Kamala Harris has delayed her speech until Wednesday as key states slip away in the election.

Campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond announced that Harris will address her supporters tomorrow at Howard University, following Donald Trump's projected wins in North Carolina and Georgia.

Richmond stated, "We still have votes to count; we still have states that have not been called yet." He emphasized the campaign's commitment to ensuring that every vote is counted, reflecting earlier messaging about the importance of an extended vote count.

11/06/2024

Breaking:
Democrat Bob Ferguson, the former Attorney General, has won the governor's race in Washington State. He succeeds Governor Jay Inslee, who did not seek reelection. His victory marks a transition in the state's leadership as Ferguson prepares to take office.

11/06/2024

Election Update:
Donald J. Trump is currently 23 electoral votes away from winning the presidency. He is leading in key states, including Wisconsin (51%), Arizona (49.9%), Pennsylvania (51%), and Michigan (52%), which collectively represent 55 electoral votes. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris is showing strength in Maine (51%), New Hampshire (52%), and Minnesota (52%).

11/06/2024

The race is too close to call as more results come in.

11/06/2024

VOA is calling the state of Illinois for Kamala Harris.
Source: AP/Reuters

11/06/2024

CBS News projects former President Donald Trump wins Arkansas. https://cbsn.ws/3Auqo0c

11/06/2024

Updates Via AP!

11/05/2024

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11/05/2024

On November 5, 2024, Jainaba Bah, the chairperson of the Local Government Commission of Inquiry (LGCI), warned witness Sheriff Cham, threatening him with detention in Mile 2 Prison for questioning the lead counsel during his testimony.

By: Alieu Ceesay On November 5, 2024, Jainaba Bah, the chairperson of the Local Government Commission of Inquiry (LGCI), warned witness Sheriff Cham, threatening him with detention in Mile 2 Prison for questioning the lead counsel during his testimony. “If you ask a question again, you will sleep ...

11/05/2024

The American Chamber of Commerce, (Gambia), in collaboration with the Central Bank of The Gambia, iNational Direct Investment Initiative Roadshow, meeting in Madison, Wisconsin scheduled for today has been cancelled.

The initiative aims to engage with potential investors for the construction of the Sting Corner - Abuko - Mandinaba Toll Road Project. This endeavor seeks to attract investments and create opportunities to build a brighter future for The Gambia.

11/05/2024

Baltasar Engonga, the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) of Equatorial Guinea, has been arrested for allegedly recording over 400 explicit videos involving the wives of prominent public figures. The scandal was uncovered during a separate fraud investigation, revealing CDs with explicit material found at his home and office. The videos, which reportedly were taken in consensual manner, are alleged to feature the spouses and relatives of high-ranking officials and senior government figures, including the sister of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. The government has suspended officials involved in sexual conduct within ministry offices, and emphasized a "zero tolerance" policy on compromising public trust.

11/05/2024

Press Statement: President Barrow on a Private visit to Morocco

The Office of the President informs the public that His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, continues his vacation with a private trip to the Kingdom of Morocco on 6th November 2024. President Barrow will depart Banjul International Airport at 2:30 A.M in the early hours of Wednesday.

11/05/2024

PRESS STATEMENT

Media Stakeholders Meet President Barrow on Press Freedom Concerns

Fajara, November 5, 2024: The Gambia Press Union (GPU) and allied media organisations and affiliates on Monday paid a courtesy call on President Adama Barrow to discuss key issues that affect press freedom.

Among the media organisations represented at the November 4 meeting were the Media Council of The Gambia (MCG), the Newspaper Publishers’ Association (NePA), and the Women Journalists’ Association of The Gambia (WoJAG).

The discussions were centred on issues of press freedom, professional journalism standards, and the sustainability of the media sector in The Gambia. The media leaders also reaffirmed the media’s commitment to supporting The Gambia’s democratic and transitional justice processes, and emphasized that a free and empowered press is essential to democracy.
A key outcome of the meeting was President Barrow agreeing to drop the civil defamation proceedings he instituted against The Voice Newspaper and its Editor-in-Chief, Musa Sheriff, after concerns on its impact on press freedom were reiterated.

Media Law Reforms
The media representatives recognised some of the positive progress that has been made in terms of press freedom under the current administration.

However, they also highlighted concerns about the lack of media law reforms with reference to the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice ruling against the Gambia in 2018 in which it stated that the country’s media laws violated the rights of journalists and needed to be repealed or reviewed in line with international standards of freedom of expression.

Reference was also made on the need for the government to fulfill the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) to review or repeal the draconian media laws, including the “false publication and broadcasting” provision in the criminal code.

Access to Information
The group applauded the enactment of the Access to Information Act, 2021 and the need for an effective implementation of the law.
They spotlighted the government’s will and role in the enactment of the legislation which gives a right to everyone to have access to information from public bodies or institutions either upon request or by proactive disclosure as a way to promote transparency and accountability in government.

Support for MAJaC
The delegation also highlighted the essential contributions of the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC) in training journalists and civil society members who now hold positions in various government institutions and in the media sector and are effectively contributing to the development of the country.

They requested government support to MAJaC in order to create a more positive impact on national development.

MAJaC was established by the GPU as the first journalism training school which offers courses in four layers of study: Foundation, Certificate, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma. The Academy has since rolled out communication courses which are open to everyone including government employees and civil society.

Plot of Land for GPU

The long-standing efforts of the GPU to secure a plot of land that will house its secretariat, the MCG, MAJaC, and its affiliate also formed part of the issues raised with President Barrow.
The GPU had, since January 2023, completed all the necessary documentation and processes for the application for a plot of land with the Ministry of Lands. The land, once secured and developed, will ensure the following:
• significantly cut down costs on rent and administrative activities of the GPU, its subsidiaries, and affiliates
• be able to generate some form of income through lodging for visiting journalists and academia, a cafeteria, and hosting meetings and other facilities that would contribute to the long-term sustainability of the GPU, its subsidiaries and affiliates, and
• help expand MAJaC to accommodate more journalism and communication students

MCG for Dispute Resolution
Media leaders also encouraged the government to support the work of the Media Council of The Gambia in resolving complaints arising from supposed ethical violations (or unethical practices) by journalists and media houses.

The MCG was established by the GPU, is an independent self-regulatory mechanism for addressing public complaints against the conduct of journalists – a mandate it has carried out successfully since 2020 with a number of cases resolved to the satisfactory of all parties.

Media Sustainability
Addressing the economic challenges in the media sector, the delegation suggested measures such as timely government payments for advertisements, reducing or removing levies on newsprint and other media products, high taxes, and establishing an annual subvention to help media outlets remain independent and sustainable.

Conclusion
The delegation urged President Barrow and government officials to work collaboratively with the media to foster a safe, free, and economically viable environment for journalism in The Gambia.

The GPU reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and protecting press freedom and freedom of expression in The Gambia, and as well as the promotion of ethical journalism. The platform was used to encourage media practitioners to adhere to the profession’s code of ethics, but also for the government to expedite media law reforms – a commitment it made since 2017.

The GPU welcomes the opportunity and platform offered by the government to discuss matters of concern.

11/05/2024

Brace record as Juwara salvaged point for Vejle

Four players namely Alasana Jatta, Abdoulie Ceesay, Abdoulie Kah, and Noah Sonko scored a brace each in the weekend, while Haruna Rashid Njie was crowned winner of the Virisga Liga.   England Notts County talisman Alasana Jatta scored twice on Friday to take his tally to nine goals in 12 appearance...

11/05/2024

Pres. Barrow Needs Better Advice and Guidance

By: Madi Jobarteh

If the President was indeed committed to the freedom of the media why would the IGP to arrest these journalists in the first place, and at the same time ask his lawyers to sue them - for the same so-called crime? What exact crime have these journalists committed? Which law did they break? Which person or entity did they harm? Specifically!

Indeed, this is a sad day for democracy and journalism in the Gambia!

What is happening here is pure harassment. Clearly there was no legal basis for the civil and criminal cases. But the authorities simply decided to abuse their powers by illegally arresting and subjecting the journalists to unnecessary court cases. But knowing full well that these cases cannot succeed anywhere they now decided to turnaround to ‘forgive’ as if they are the victims and the journalists are the criminals.

This is a typical dictatorship style used to criminalize innocent people hence intimidate them into submission. It is now obvious that the Voice Newspaper will be checking their reporting so as not to ‘offend’ anyone again, especially the President and NPP. Similarly other journalists and media houses may also subject themselves to self censorship. How does this help free press and democracy in the Gambia?

The President needs advice and guidance. There’s nothing he could do that former presidents in and outside the Gambia had not done before him - and even better. Hence let the President stay away from self righteous decisions and actions and instead uncompromisingly and consistently commit himself to democratic values and honest leadership.

He is the only President in this country until next election. He is adequately catered for in his life both as President and as ex-president afterwards. Therefore let him aim for higher ideals of humility, human rights and integrity knowing that he does not share that position of president with anyone. His job is easy: just to follow and uphold the law without fear or favor, ill will or affection.

This unfortunate saga with these journalists should not have happened in the first place. It is a terrible misjudgment that does not serve the best interest of the nation or himself. Therefore the President must be advised to be careful of his advisors and those surrounding him. He cannot consume any and every advice they place before him. It is established fact that people in power are also sometimes captured by their technocrats, surrogates and advisors to be manipulated and exploited for their selfish interests at the detriment of the president.

What happened at State House is a tasteless drama that only exposes the baseless and abusive actions against these innocent journalists. The dignity of the presidency should be above such farce! The country should not have been subjected to such negative international ridicule and condemnation!

For The Gambia 🇬🇲 Our Homeland

11/04/2024

Gaye Njorro Skills Academy, a renowned skills center dedicated to empowering youth through vocational training, officially launched its new skills academy in Kotu, Kanifing Municipality, on Monday, November 4, 2024. The New School aims to equip young people with practical and in-demand skills that can enhance their employability and support their personal development.

By Fatou Dahaba Gaye Njorro Skills Academy, a renowned skills center dedicated to empowering youth through vocational training, officially launched its new skills academy in Kotu, Kanifing Municipality, on Monday, November 4, 2024. The New School aims to equip young people with practical and in-dema...

11/04/2024

Goalkeeper Mbemba Jammeh produced a heroic performance in the penalty shootout as Gambia U17 clinched a bronze medal in the WAFU A tournament.

Congratulations to the Baby Scorpions!

11/04/2024

President Barrow is holding a closed-door meeting with media representatives at the Statehouse to discuss important issues affecting The Gambia's media landscape.

The closed-door meeting between President Barrow and media representatives follows an intensified crackdown on media houses and journalists in The Gambia. Currently, three journalists are facing legal actions initiated by President Barrow and the Minister of Environment.

The agenda includes the need for a conducive media environment, press freedom, and media law reforms. The media delegation is led by Gambia Press Union President Muhammed MS Bah and includes representatives from the Women Journalists Association and the Media Council.

Photo Credit: TFN

11/04/2024

The American Chamber of Commerce (Gambia), in collaboration with the Central Bank of The Gambia, is on a two-week National Direct Investment Initiative Roadshow from October 27th to November 10th across six cities in the USA. The initiative aims to engage potential investors to construct the Sting Corner - Abuko - Mandinaba Toll Road. This endeavor seeks to attract investments and create opportunities to build a brighter future for The Gambia. The Roadshow, which started in New York City (October 27th-28th), will continue to Atlanta (November 2nd), Dallas, TX (November 3rd), Madison, WI (November 5th), Seattle, WA (November 8th), and conclude in Washington, DC on November 10th.
Be part of this transformative journey, be part of the future, and invest in The Gambia.

11/04/2024

Chad has announced the completion of a new 30,000-capacity stadium located in the Manjafa neighborhood of its capital city, N'Djamena.

This development means that Chad will no longer need to rent stadiums in Cameroon or elsewhere for its home matches. This is the first stadium of its kind in Chad since the country's independence in 1960.

Mmeanwhile, The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has once again deemed Gambia's main stadium unsuitable for hosting international football competitions. According to CAF, significant improvements are still needed, particularly concerning pitch quality.